Klopp made to wait over fitness battle for star pair
LIVERPOOL are sweating on the fitness of Thiago Alcantara and Alisson Becker for tonight’s Premier League clash against Arsenal.
The duo have missed training sessions in recent days as Jurgen Klopp prepares his side for the visit of the Gunners.
Thiago, signed earlier this month for an initial £20million from Bayern Munich, was pictured in training on Friday but was absent from the session on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Alisson was missing from both.
While neither player has been ruled out of tonight’s game, there is obvious concern after sitting out part of the work at Melwood.
The Reds are already without Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip and long-term absentee Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, although Joe Gomez has returned to training after missing the last two games.
His inclusion would allow Fabinho to return to central midfield.
Thiago was impressive on his debut as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 Premier League win at Chelsea last Sunday, with Klopp considering handing the Spaniard, if fit, a first start against Arsenal.
Alisson and Thiago pair were among several first-team regulars rested for the Carabao Cup third round tie at Lincoln City on Thursday, which Liverpool won 7-2.
Should Alisson fail to be available, Adrian will continue in goal with Caoimhin Kelleher on the bench.
Meanwhile Arsenal have had a tough time with injuries at the start of the 2020/21 season but have been dealt with major boosts ahead of their Premier League and Carabao Cup trips to Liverpool.
Kieran Tierney missed the Gunners’ last two matches against Leicester City and West Ham after withdrawing from the matchday squad in the latter due to a slight groin problem but is back in full training.
“Tight left groin before West Ham United (h) on Saturday, September 19. Now back in full training.” read a statement on the official club website.
Injured when Mikel Arteta first arrived at the club, Tierney had to wait until after the restart before truly showing the Spaniard what he could offer.
Elsewhere tonight, Fulham go looking for their first points of the season when they entertain Aston Villa.